Crime Victims’ Rights Week is an annual commemoration in the United States that promotes victims’ rights and services. The week is marked by an award ceremony in Washington, D.C., in which individuals and organizations that demonstrate outstanding service in supporting victims and victim services are recognized. It will hold between April 8 and 14.

Two areas of victimization that often go unreported are Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking.

Domestic violence or intimate partner violence can include physical and/or mental emotional abuse. Including:

Violence: hitting, kicking, choking, rape (any form of forced sex)

Isolation: keeping away from family and friends

Intimidation: stalking, harassment, taking legal and immigration documents

Economic: taking your paycheck or refusing to allow you work or get an education

Using your children: Threatening to take the children, saying you’re a bad parent

Some of the warning signs of Human Trafficking include:

Recruited through false promises concerning the nature and conditions of his/her work.

Is unpaid, paid very little, or paid only through tips.

Shows sign of physical and/or sexual abuse, physical restraint, confinement, or torture.

Owes a large debt and is unable to pay it off.

Is not in control of his/her own identification documents (green card, ID, or passport).

Is not allowed or able to speak for self.

Is made to perform commercial sex acts. Is not free to leave or come and go as he/she wishes.

High security measures exist in the work and/or living locations (e.g. opaque or boarded up windows, bars on windows, barbed wire, security cameras, etc.)

Should we talk to children about Human Trafficking? YES!

Ohio officials have estimated that 1,100 minors are being trafficked at any given moment.

When interacting with our youth there are several things you can tell them:

Not everyone you meet online is trustworthy.

No one should ask you to keep secrets from trusted adults.

Be suspicious if an online friend tries to turn you against friends or family.

Don’t accept gifts from people you’ve met online.

Don’t send photos to someone you meet online.

If someone asks you or a friend to meet offline tell a trusted adult.

Don’t respond to people asking you for personal or inappropriate information.

What should you do if you are a victim of these or other crimes?

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

If you suspect Human Trafficking, please call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center

1 (888) 373-7888.